As the world celebrated A’ja Wilson scripting another historic moment in her already coveted WNBA career, her boyfriend reacted with a few words that perfectly captured the weight of the record-breaking deal.

The new CBA allowed supermax contracts to start at $1.4 million per year, and A’ja Wilson has deservedly landed a historic 3-year $5 million deal with the Las Vegas Aces, with the annual salary set to rise with the rising salary cap every year. The deal represents the 29-year-old’s importance to the Las Vegas team, having led the franchise to 3 WNBA Championships since being drafted as the first pick in 2018 by the Aces.

And her boyfriend, Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo, joined the celebrations, highlighting that the supermax contract was long-time coming for A’ja. Bam said, “Bout time… to get (the) supermax and it has the M at the end.”

 

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Bam and A’ja have been incredibly supportive of each other’s basketball journey. Bam attended A’ja’s 2025 title run and surprised the 29-year-old with her fourth league MVP trophy in the Las Vegas gym. A’ja was present as the Miami Heat Center produced a record-breaking 83-point performance against the Washington Wizards in March.

A’ja Wilson is not just a 3x WNBA Champion but a four-time WNBA MVP now, having been awarded the honor in 2025 as well. In fact, in 2025, the 29-year-old created history in the WNBA, becoming the first player to win the scoring title, league MVP, Finals MVP, and the Defensive Player of the Year in a single season.

This 2025 clean sweep further cemented A’ja as an icon in the sport and justifies her new 3-year contract. While A’ja’s record-breaking 2025 season played a big role, so did the new CBA. The off-court battle for favorable terms in the new CBA yielded positive results for the players, with the new agreement containing several ground-breaking clauses, including revenue sharing.

While this deal will take up a chunk of Las Vegas’ $7 million salary cap, retaining the 29-year-old already primes the Aces for their title defense this year.

The Las Vegas Aces retain a championship-winning core

The Las Vegas Aces have done the unthinkable. Not only did they re-sign an A’ja coming off the back of a record-breaking 2025 season, but they have retained their core that helped them win the 2025 WNBA Championship.

Along with A’ja, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, and Jackie Young will be returning to Las Vegas, resuming their duties on the floor. Chelsea Gray is the on-court general and primary ball handler, while Jackie Young, like A’ja, has been a one-team player in the league and has grown into a key offensive contributor for the Aces, second only to A’ja in points per game.

NaLyssa Smith and Dana Evans return for the Aces this year, meaning most of the rotation will remain the same under head coach Becky Hammon as the Aces look to defend their crown for a second time, having done so recently in 2023.

Aaliyah Nye, Kiah Stokes, and Megan Gustafson were casualties of the Expansion Draft and Free Agency. However, the front office moved quickly to replenish the frontcourt, bringing in veterans Brianna Turner and Stephanie Talbot.

Second-round draft pick Janiah Barker represents great value, especially in perimeter shooting, having shot 36.5% from behind the arc in her last college basketball year with the Tennessee Lady Volunteers.

Third-round pick Jordan Obi and veteran Chennedy Carter, who is on a training camp contract, could be viewed as depth at the guard position.

While defending the WNBA Championship isn’t going to be easy, the Las Vegas Aces’ offseason dealings show their intent on being a serious contender this year, too. Las Vegas has refilled its hand with its favorite Aces, right in time for the game to start.

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